NHS pays tribute to 'dedicated' doctor and family who died in plane crash
In an emotional tribute University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) and the NHS have shared their "deep sadness" following the tragic death of Dr Prateek Joshi and his family in the Air India plane crash this week.
There were among the 242 passengers and crew on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Brits, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. Harrowing stories of the dead continued to emerge on Friday - including more tributes for Dr Joshi and his family who posted a selfie of them innocently smiling after boarding the Boeing 787 plane before it took off.
Dr Joshi, 43, worked as a consultant radiologist at the Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Hospital Burton for four years, after moving to Derby from India in 2021. He was flying back to the UK with his wife Komi Vyas – a fellow doctor - their daughter Miraya, eight, and twin sons, Pradyut and Nakul, five, who planned to settle down in the East Midlands.
The NHS has released a new tribute to the doctor and his family on Friday. Dr Rajeev Singh, Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Director for Imaging at UHDB, who knew the family well has shared some words which truly capture the person Prateek was.
Dr Singh said: "Prateek was full of joy, he was a wonderful man, friend, husband and father, and an exceptional Radiologist who was highly respected in his field. He approached everything with a smile, radiated positivity and had a great sense of humour.
"He moved to Derby, from India, in 2021, quickly becoming a beloved colleague. He often entertained colleagues with stories about his passions outside of work, including his newly discovered love of fish and chips and enthusiasm for walking in the Peak District.
"He touched the lives of so many people, both through his clinical work and as a colleague and friend to many.
"It is hard to accept that a man with such a passion for life, and his beautiful young family, have been taken in this way. His passing has left a profound void, not only in his professional contributions but in the warmth and spirit that he gave to the world every day."
Royal Derby Hospital described Dr Joshi as 'not only an excellent doctor for whom nothing was too much trouble, but also a warm, smiling and kind man who was a hugely liked and valued member of the team'.
Stephen Posey, Chief Executive, added: "We are profoundly and deeply saddened at the loss of our dedicated and talented colleague, Dr Prateek Joshi and his family. Prateek was not only an excellent doctor for whom nothing was too much trouble, but also a warm, smiling and kind man who was a hugely liked and valued member of the team.
"We are privileged that Prateek chose to give his skills, talent and knowledge to the NHS, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him."
The NHS statement concluded: "Our thoughts are with Dr Joshi's family, friends and colleagues, and everyone who has been impacted by this tragedy, which is being felt across the world and within our local communities."
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But until then, be safe in the knowledge that you're far from the only one — and don't forget to unclench your jaw. Do you have a story to share?
